The North Union Warriors boys basketball team is gearing up for a new season under the leadership of 11th-year head coach Alex Fisher. After a successful 14-2 season that secured a second-place finish in the Top of Iowa Conference, the Warriors are now faced with the challenge of transitioning to a roster largely comprised of players new to varsity play.
Fisher highlights the team’s lack of experience as a significant hurdle, especially following the graduation of five starters and with the current injuries affecting their six-man off the bench. “We’re basically bringing back zero minutes of varsity experience from our starting guys,” Fisher noted, emphasizing the team’s need for growth and player development this season.
Despite these challenges, the Warriors kicked off the season with a notable 66-48 nonconference win over West Bend-Mallard, marking them at 1-0. Fisher explained that the focus remains on team cohesion, particularly as they navigate playing with a shortened bench due to injuries.
The Warriors are relying on the experience of juniors Khael Jones and Drew Henderson, both of whom participated in varsity games last season. Fisher remains optimistic, praising the team’s shooting capabilities, especially their proficiency from long-range. “Overall, we’re a pretty good shooting team,” he commented, highlighting players like Jones and Grayson Kovrov, who are expected to generate offense.
Fisher’s approach is centered on incremental improvement, stating that their goal is to “get better every day.” He remains hopeful that injured players Henderson and Grady Madden will return after the holiday break, which could propel the team into a competitive position within the conference.
While injuries might pose a challenge for the Warriors in the early part of the season, Fisher’s confidence in his team suggests a resilient spirit. He anticipates smoother sailing as they gain experience without their key players, aiming for a strong run in January and February.
The Warriors are set to face North Iowa on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the North Iowa Community High School Gym, presenting them with another opportunity to build on their initial victory and develop their skills as they adjust to the demands of varsity basketball.
This season’s challenges also bring hope, as the Warriors look to cultivate their younger talent while fostering a strong team unit. The journey ahead may be difficult, but the potential for growth and development is promising, setting the stage for what could be an exciting season.